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  1. Novel Writing Courses and "Novel Writing on Edge" Work and Study Forums

    1. Novel Writing on Edge - Necessary Nuance, Strong Bewares, and Actual Results

      Novel Writing on Edge Platitudes, entitled amateurism, popular delusions, and erroneous information are all conspicuously absent from this collection of detailed novel writing guides and maxims. From concept to query, the goal is to provide you, the aspiring novel author, with the skills and knowledge it takes to realistically compete in the commercial book market of the 21st century. 


      Novel Writing on Edge Labors, Sins, and Six Acts - The NWOE Novel Writing Guide
      Novel Writing on Edge Dialogue - Never a Gratuitous Word or Boring Moment
      Novel Writing Mother Forum Is the Antagonist Truly the Most Important Character?

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      posts

    2. Art and Life in Novel Writing

      Novel Writing ProgramWriter takeaways on craft learned from the best books on plot and technique utilized in the commercial novel writing program including "The Art of Fiction" by John Gardner, "Writing the Breakout Novel" by Donald Maass, "Write Away" by Elizabeth George, and "The Writing Life" by Annie Dillard.

      NOTE: the links below are selections from our AAC forum, Kara's Cabinet of Themes and Curiosities.

      Writing Goals Writing and the Disquiet of Self Doubt
      Knowing Your Genre You Don't Understand Genre?
      Publication Are You Ready to Get Published Part I
      Publication Interview With Blake "Save the Cat" Snyder
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      posts

    3. Bad Novel Writing Advice - "Novel Writing On Edge"

      YT Vids The best "bad novel writing advice" articles culled from Novel Writing on Edge. The point isn't to axe grind, it's to warn writers of all the terrible advice floating around the novel writing universe. From conferences to writer groups, the acid rain never stops falling. By posting these articles, we dearly hope we can save a few misdirected souls. Michael Neff, director of Algonkian Writer Conferences is the primary author, with an assist from Chris Stewart. Beware brutal reviewers!

      att.jpg Top Worst "Worst Writer Advice"
      att.jpg Are Writer Groups a Really Bad Idea?
      att.jpg Should Workshop Leaders Give Poor Writers False Hope?

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    4. Novel Writing Program - Modules And Consults

      Novel Writing CoursesNewly updated narrative, developmental, and editorial courses that compose the Algonkian Novel Writing Program. Crucial elements analyzed and applied include high-concept premise, counter-trait characters, Six Act Two-Goal Novel, hooks and core wounds, scene selection, set cinema, and more. All genres. Registration here. Program concludes with faculty video-consults to address final edits and query letter. Free to Algonkian alums.

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      posts

  2. New York Pitch, Algonkian, and Shooting Galleries

    1. New York Pitch and Algonkian Events

      New York PitchFor NY Pitch and Algonkian Event attendees posting assignments related to their novel or nonfiction. Assignments include conflict levels, antagonist and protagonist sketches, plot lines, setting, and story premise. Publishers and agents use this forum to obtain information before and after the conference event, therefore, writers should focus on responses and edit as necessary. Included are NY conference reviews, narrative critique sub-forums, and a Development Sitemap.

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      posts

    2. New Worlds, New Voices - SFF Shooting Gallery

      New Worlds, New Voices NWNV "Shooting Gallery" provides writers with the chance to test market their best SFF novels and hopefully score a contract. Agents and TV/Film reps will check in and review work during 2021. AAC will edit beforehand as needed. For Algonkian alums only.

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      posts

    3. The Real World Genres - MS Shooting Gallery

      Real World Genres "Real World Genres Shooting Gallery" provides writers with opportunities to test market their best novels and hopefully score a contract. Agents and TV/Film reps will check in and review work during 2021. AAC will edit beforehand as needed. For Algonkian alums only.

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      posts

    4. Algonkian Writer Conferences - Events, FAQ, Contracts, and More.

      Algonkian Writer Conferences Algonkian events nurture intimate, carefully managed environments conducive to practicing the skills and learning the knowledge necessary to approach the development and writing of a competitive commercial or literary novel. We believe you were not born to be a good or great author, but that you stand on the shoulders of great authors gone before and only by hard work will you succeed. Below are links to subject topics concerning Algonkian. Feel free to contact us with any questions or observations.

      Algonkian Algonkian Home Page
      Algonkian About Algonkian Writer Conferences
      Algonkian Upcoming Events and Programs
      Algonkian Contracts, Careers, and Comments
      Algonkian       Frequently Asked Questions
      Algonkian Novel Development and Writing Forums

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  3. AAC Desert Buffet and Bad Novel Writing Advice

    1. Kara's Cabinet of Themes and Curiosities

      Kara's CabinetBest of AAC. A collection of ravels and unravels, combed feed, and worthwhile nuggets plucked from many sources here at AAC. Kara carefully selects only the best and presents them in an array certain to illuminate and entertain. Kara, where are you? Come back!


      att.jpg Ready to Get Published? Part I
      att.jpg Ready to Get Published? Part II

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    2. Novel Writing Advice Videos - Who Has it Right?

      YT Vids A forum for posting and commenting on the many (and often ridiculous) novel writing advice videos found on Youtube. Feel free to let it rip, but be respectful. Nothing derogatory concerning the speakers. The mission here is to expose and question bad novel writing advice that does not bear up under scrutiny. Members of the Algonkian Critics Film Board (ACFB) include Kara Bosshardt, Richard Hacker, Joseph Hall, Elise Kipness, Michael Neff, and Audrey Woods.

      att.jpg Stephen King's War on Plot
      att.jpg Writing a Hot Sex Scene
      att.jpg The "Secret" to Writing Award Winning Novels?

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    3. Audrey's Corner - Unique Reviews for Up and Coming Authors

      Audrey's CornerBook reviews taken to the next level for the benefit of aspiring authors. This includes a unique novel-development analysis of contemporary novels by Algonkian Editor Audrey Woods. If you're in the early or middle stages of novel writing, you'll get a lot from this. We cannot thank her enough and look forward to her future thoughts and manifestations.

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    4. Algonkian Brand Coffee - Shameless Promotion

      Algonkian Coffee Marketing our Algonkian Writer Conferences coffee brand. Goes perfect with Author Connect, and in so many ways. Crafted for writers by writers. A smooth, full-bodied blend of Sumatran velvet and Nicaraguan dark. Guaranteed to get your creative juices flowing. Seriously. It's damn good coffee, and if you don't like it we'll refund via Paypal. No joke.

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  4. House of Blogs

    1. Crime Reads - Suspense, Thrillers, Crime, Gun!

      Crime Reads CrimeReads is a culture website for people who believe suspense is the essence of storytelling, questions are as important as answers, and nothing beats the thrill of a good book. It's a single, trusted source where readers can find the best from the world of crime, mystery, and thrillers. No joke, 

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      posts

    2. Writer Unboxed - The "Connect Kitty" Approves

      Bibliofile Cat AAC can't help but deliver the best bloggish content that will inspire writers to new leaps of imagination. This one is mostly new releases, bestsellers, literary fiction historical fiction, mysteries, popular non-fiction, memoirs and biographies.

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      posts

    3. The Fantasy Hive - A U.K. Wonderland

      SFF A hub for all things fantasy (plus some SF). Book reviews, games, author interviews, features, serial fiction- you name it. The Fantasy Hive is a collaborative site formed of unique personalities who just want to celebrate fantasy. Btw, the SFF novel to the left by one of our members, Warwick Gleeson, was a "Top 150 Best Books" Kirkus pick in 2019.

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    4. Women on Writing - WOW and WOW!

      Writer's Edge Women On Writing is an online magazine and community for women writers. Among major topics are novel writing, indie publishing, author platform, blogging, screenwriting, and more. Lots of contests and general jocularity sans frittering on the part of Earth's most powerful humans.

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      posts

    5. Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

      Smart Bitches Bringing you the famous and cheeky SBTB blog for romance enthusiasts. If you're into the romance genre, this is where you want to be. If you're not, avoid at all costs to preserve your sanity. Ha ha. We're just kidding. There are some good things happening in the genre. Stay Golden, Horny Girl!

      323
      posts

    6. The Paris Review - A Literary Wonderland

      Paris Review From one of the most classic literary journals of all time, famous for its author interviews (among other things), comes the PR feed. Grab your coffee and conjure your most literary mindset cause you're going to need it. Academics and shut-ins will wet their pants over this. Ya gotta love it!

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Stephen King's War on Plot





An Algonkian Success Story








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      Redux: Have No Mercy, Gardener

      Every week, the editors of The Paris Review lift the paywall on a selection of interviews, stories, poems, and more from the magazine’s archive. You can have these unlocked pieces delivered straight to your inbox every Sunday by signing up for the Redux newsletter. Penelope Lively. This week at The Paris Review, we’re out in the garden. Read on for Penelope Lively’s Art of Fiction interview, Diane Williams’s short story “Garden Magic,” and Allison Funk’s poem “On Pruning.” If you enjoy these free interviews, stories, and poems, why not subscribe to The Paris Review? You’ll also get four new
      MichaelNeff in The Paris Review - A Literary Wonderland
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      The Joys and Sorrows of Aunthood

      In Lee Lai’s debut graphic novel, Stone Fruit, a queer couple navigates personal and familial struggles between joyful and imaginative playdates with their six-year-old niece, Nessie. Through black-and-gray illustrations, Lai captures the complex emotional tenor of Bron and Ray’s relationship with Nessie, their respective sisters, and each other. In the excerpt below, an afternoon with Nessie’s fun aunts is cut short by a phone call. Lee Lai is an Australian cartoonist and illustrator living in Tio’tia:ke (Montreal), Quebec. Her short story comics hav
      MichaelNeff in The Paris Review - A Literary Wonderland
    3. 0

      Historical Fiction, Mysteries, Plus a Singing Hills Cycle Novella!

      Some of these titles might make a lovely gift for that reader you know who is finally (finally!) able to plan a vacation. (I love surprising people with gifted digital books.) When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain by Nghi Vo is a Kindle Daily Deal at $1.99 that appears to be price-matched. Woo hoo! This is the second novella in the Singing Hills Cycle series, and it has a 4.3-star averag
      Artemis Gordon in Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
    4. 0

      HaBO: Time Travel Fountain Falling

      This HaBO is from Shawna, who is looking for this time travel romance: I’m trying to recall a time travel romance novel about a modern-day guy who goes to England for his cousin’s wedding (for some reason, I’m remembering a ridiculous nickname for the cousin like “Cubby”?), and I think he flies to London with a materialistic, status-obsessed girlfriend he doesn’t see a future with. They arrive in London in a hard rain, and while the cab takes them to his cousin’s estate, the protagonist thinks he sees a raven flying alongside the car, but convinces himself he was imagining it with the rain. A
      Artemis Gordon in Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
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      THE ABSOLUTE BOOK by Elizabeth Knox (BOOK REVIEW)

      “And it’s not just Murdoch and immigrants and implied promises about what might be done to save the NHS by the very people dismantling it. It’s not just memories of busy shipyards and Grandad’s self-respect. No, it’s an almost mythical yearning, as though, if only we can create the right conditions, a stranger might come out of the mist, thrust a sword into a stone and say, “Whosoever draws forth this blade…” And now here he was, having returned from another world, with a much better understanding of the depth of his ignorance concerning what might be yearned for, and not be mythical.” Eliza
      EditorAdmin in The Fantasy Hive - A U.K. Wonderland
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      Spring Thaws and the Buzz of the Muse

      I read an interesting article in the New York Times several years back about honeybees and how they survive the frigid winters in the states. They do so by feeding off their honey stores and metabolizing that honey, thus creating a lot of heat. They also flutter their tiny wings without actually flying, which warms things further. They use all of this created energy to survive and protect the Queen Bee. I read about the owners of these bees, too, who worry incessantly about their little friends—“the girls,” they call them. They check on them on the coldest, darkest days, after the fiercest st
      EditorAdmin in Writer Unboxed - The "Connect Kitty" Approves
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      The “Three-Dimensional Game-Board” of Agatha Christie’s Country Houses

      If du Maurier re-invigorated the Gothic house with modern passion and intrigue, Agatha Christie turned it into something of a three-dimensional game-board in which to reconfigure characters and objects to act out the varied plots of her seventy-six novels, 158 short stories and fifteen plays. Not all of these took place in large old English mansions; her settings evolved over time to include modern houses and apartments, as well as trains, pleasure boats and archaeological encampments. She became the bestselling author of all time, and her characters emerged from the page onto stage, televisio
      MichaelNeff in Crime Reads - Suspense, Thrillers, Crime, Gun!
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      George Blake and the Prison Escape Story Hitchcock Spent The Last Decade of His Life Trying to Make

      In 1950, George Blake, a British MI6 agent, was taken prisoner by the North Korean army. By the time he was returned to Britain, three years later, he had been converted to the Soviet cause and was acting as a KGB double agent. He was caught in 1961 and sentenced to forty two years in prison. He was serving his time in Wormwood Scrubs prison, in London, in 1966, when he decided to escape. ___________________________________ All this time Blake had been waiting anxiously inside the prison wall for Bourke to throw him the ladder. As time passed he began to give up hope. He claims to have wait
      MichaelNeff in Crime Reads - Suspense, Thrillers, Crime, Gun!
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      Female Public Defenders Are Unsung Heroines. It Is Long Past Time to Change That.

      Featured image: Clara Shortridge Folz, public defender pioneer Public defenders are finally having a moment. For decades, these lawyers and other court-appointed attorneys for the indigent were derided as the red-headed stepchildren of the criminal justice system. Often portrayed in literature and movies as bumbling, overwhelmed, and on the wrong side of justice, the real-life men and women who chose this line of work inevitably faced the question: How can you sit next to that scumbag? But in recent years, as the nation has begun to reckon with a criminal justice system that is error-pron
      MichaelNeff in Crime Reads - Suspense, Thrillers, Crime, Gun!
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      A Family of Spies

      My favorite game as a young child was spies. I loved the hiding, the heart-pounding thrill and fear of discovery. I recruited all my friends for it, even if they’d rather have been swimming or eating ice cream. When I was an adolescent and my mother told me her father had been a spy, I was gobsmacked. I developed this idea that it must be something genetic you could inherit. No wonder I loved that game when I was little, I told myself. My grandfather was a spy! Then, nothing. Never heard another thing about it. What he did as a spy, where, when. All closed books to me. Nothing. A dark void. Be
      MichaelNeff in Crime Reads - Suspense, Thrillers, Crime, Gun!
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      Interview with Caroline Michalicki: Fall 2020 Flash Fiction Runner Up

      Today I am excited to talk with Caroline Michalicki, one of the runner-ups to the Fall 2020 Flash Fiction contest. Make sure you read her story Three Wishes then come on back and read our interview. Caroline's bio: Caroline gained confidence in her writing when her screenplay “The Journey” won honorable mention in the 2005 Maine International Screenwriters’ Competition. In 2008 her screenplay “Little Flames” was placed on the Hot List of Ten Best Scripts mentioned in Moviemakers Magazine. 2009-2018 seven of her ultra short (150 words or less) fictions were published in The Binnacle affiliated
      AgentModX in Women on Writing - WOW and WOW!
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      People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

      B People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry May 11, 2021 · Berkley Romance Back when we used to take vacations (sigh, those wild pre-Covid days, how fun-filled they were…) they often began badly, what with trying to get packed in time and flying in coach and all the other bother of getting from one place to another. However, after a certain transitional period, the vacation would become enjoyable, perhaps even emotionally meaningful and
      Artemis Gordon in Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
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    15. 0

      Links: Irish Music, a Writer’s Fellowship, & More

      http://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/WP/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Depositphotos_52671211_original-300x200.jpgWelcome back to Wednesday Links! I’m still in Florida and let’s just say it isn’t going super well. My flight was also delayed by a giant man baby refusing to wear a mask and then cursing out a plane mostly full of families going to Disney. On the bright side, I did get a pretty sporty rental car and I went to Atlanta for the Georgia Aquarium to finally see their whale sharks. … In the recent Hide Your Wallet, Sneezy mentioned a nonfiction title called The Dark Fantastic. Well appare
      Artemis Gordon in Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
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      New York Pre-Event Assignments - June 2021

      FIRST ASSIGNMENT: Story Statement. In the late iron-age, Norse settler Erik Fenris and his son Einar must overcome trials of love, loss, war and their Viking destiny, to locate and reunite three hidden shards of an ancient, magical talisman, to break the curse of a power-hungry witch, and free their enslaved kinsmen from her burgeoning wolf-skin warrior army. SECOND ASSIGNMENT: in 200 words or less, sketch the antagonist or antagonistic force in your story. Skara, the Volva (witch): Skara is the physical counterpart, “dark sister” to the elemental, spiritual manifes
      Christopher Lucas in New York Pitch and Algonkian Events
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      Climbing Desolation Peak

      Alison Bechdel’s new graphic memoir, The Secret to Superhuman Strength, follows the artist through a lifetime of fitness and exercise. These memories and musings are interspersed with transcendentalists, Romantics, Eastern philosophers, and other literary figures who shed light on our obsession with transformation and transcendence. In the excerpt below, Bechdel follows in Jack Kerouac’s footsteps up the Matterhorn, only to find the hike to be far more difficult than expected, and with surprising lessons in store. Alison Bechdel’s cult following for her comic strip Dykes
      MichaelNeff in The Paris Review - A Literary Wonderland
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      Contemporary Romance Series Starters!

      I’m gathering up the Books on Sale this week, so if you’ve spotted some good discounts, let us know in the comments! The Best Man Plan The Best Man Plan by Jaci Burton is $1.99! This is book one of the Boots & Bouquets series, and is a one night stand/friends to lovers contemporary romance (sniff, sniff…is that catnip?). Book two, The Engagement Arrangement, comes out on June 29, so if you like this one, the next one wi
      Artemis Gordon in Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

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